About the Exhibition

This special exhibition of watercolours by botanical and landscape painter Margaret Stoddart was displayed physically from September-December 2021 at the former home of Kate Sheppard, who was a fellow student at the Canterbury College School of Art, and a campaigner for New Zealand women's suffrage. The online exhibition provides documentation and supplimentary items to provide a rich perspective on the relationship between these two pioneering women.

Set against the park-like garden of Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House in Spring 2021, Margaret Stoddart: Garden Scene revealed a small yet important collection of Stoddart paintings from the University of Canterbury art collection. A collaboration between Te Puna Rakahau o Macmillan Brown Library and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Margaret Stoddart: Garden Scene highlights the connection between Margaret Stoddart and Kate Sheppard. Kate Sheppard briefly attended Canterbury College School of Art as a day student. Her name appears with that of Margaret Stoddart in the Canterbury College School of Art register in 1882 and 1883. This rarely-seen roll book was displayed alongside the watercolours, in the former home of Kate Sheppard.

Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House

This was the family home of Kate Sheppard between 1888 and 1902, where the pioneering suffragist and her fellow campaigners organised their movement to secure the vote for New Zealand women. The house and its garden on Clyde Road, Christchurch (next to the University of Canterbury campus) were purchased for the nation in 2019,  and are now open to visit, operated by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

The exhibition in situ

University of Canterbury Kaitiaki Toi | Art Curator Lydia Baxendell installing the exhibition

The exhibition in situ